The National Weather Service cancelled the tornado watch for Durham County at 9:43 a.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Durham County until 1 p.m.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

"We are in constant contact with the weather service and are prepared to activate the DukeALERT system if conditions worsen or a tornado warning is issued," said Kyle Cavanaugh, Duke's emergency coordinator and vice president for administration.

In the event of a tornado warning, which indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar, Duke officials will send a text and email notification to students, faculty and staff. If the warning area includes Duke’s main campus, the sirens will also be activated along with text and email notifications to direct individuals to seek shelter immediately.

During a tornado watch, the weather service suggests that people should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. For more information about Duke’s emergency response plan for tornados, visit the DukeALERT website.